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Time-estimation process could cause the disappearence of readiness potential
Lipeng Zhang1,2, Haikun Ren1,2, Rui Zhang1,2
1School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
Cognitive Neurodynamics
|October 14, 2022
Summary
The disappearance of readiness potential (RP), an EEG signal before movement, may be caused by time estimation processes. This occurs due to neural activity in the supplementary motor area (SMA) counteracting motor preparation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Motor Control
Background:
- Readiness potential (RP) is electroencephalography (EEG) activity preceding voluntary movement.
- Previous studies observed RP absence in about half of subjects during instructed actions, with the underlying mechanism unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if time estimation processes contribute to the disappearance of the readiness potential.
- To explore the neural mechanisms underlying the absence of RP during motor tasks involving time estimation.
Main Methods:
- EEG data were collected from 16 subjects performing motor execution (ME), motor execution after time estimation (MEATE), and time estimation (TE) tasks.
- Event-related potential (ERP) waveforms and scalp topography were compared between ME and MEATE tasks.
- Source imaging was used to analyze brain region activation, focusing on the supplementary motor area (SMA).
Main Results:
- RP was present during the ME task but absent during the MEATE task.
- The difference in ERP between MEATE and TE tasks resembled the ERP waveform of the ME task.
- Source imaging revealed significantly decreased activation amplitude in the SMA for the MEATE task compared to the ME task.
Conclusions:
- Time estimation processes can cause the disappearance of the readiness potential.
- This phenomenon may result from the counteraction of neural electrical activity related to time estimation and motor preparation within the SMA.
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